It has been another frustrating season for Luke Shaw, who has been restricted to three appearances of first-team football at Manchester United.
Luke Shaw has had a horrid time with injuries over the years, missing a remarkable number of games for Manchester United.
The 29-year-old has not started a match for United in almost 14 months, but last week he received a boost after returning to training.
It remains to be seen if Shaw will return to full fitness between now and the end of the season, but Ruben Amorim will be hoping that more players make a comeback to give United the edge in their quest to win the Europa League.
United are currently without six players due to injury ahead of the Manchester derby this Sunday. The injury list also includes Amad Diallo, Ayden Heaven, Lisandro Martinez, Kobbie Mainoo and Jonny Evans.
Furthermore, Amorim has a few months to assess his squad before the transfer window opens and several members of United’s first-team will be playing for their futures.
Luke Shaw still has a future at Manchester United
After making his long-awaited return for Amorim’s first game in charge against Ipswich Town, and featuring as a substitute for subsequent matches against PAOK and Everton, Shaw suffered another setback.
The England international has not played since then, which is bound to make Amorim cautious about rushing him back too soon.
It also raises the question of whether United will tolerate another injury-prone season from Shaw.
Now, United in Focus can confirm, after speaking with Graeme Bailey, Shaw is set to get another chance at Old Trafford.
“Manchester United and Ruben Amorim still think Luke Shaw could have a future at the club, they have no doubts about his talent.
“However, clearly the fact he has not started a league game under Amorim is a huge concern. I am told they think he could be a very good fit within Amorim’s system as part of the back three.
“Shaw has just over two-years left on his contract and he is on a contract that I am told is probably best described as ‘substantial’ which means it is very hard to move. Even if United wanted to move on, nobody is taking that on – due to his injury concerns.
“I understand that United hope, Shaw can have a good pre-season and then push to be part of the first-team squad – that is Plan A and the best outcome, if that doesn’t happen. It will be reviewed.”
Ruben Amorim missing ‘very important player’
Although Shaw has been limited to three substitute cameos under Amorim, the United head coach made it clear he is an admirer of the player after succeeding Erik ten Hag at Old Trafford.
Shaw suffered an injury setback in December, but Amorim reacted by singing the players’ praise and claimed he is going to be a “very important player” for his side.
“What I said to him, as a coach, is that since I am here, I saw him in the medical department,” Amorim told Amazon Prime Video, as quoted by ManUtd.com. “I saw him in the gym. I saw him losing weight. I saw him training.
“So he did everything right. Sometimes, when you have one or two injuries, it’s really hard to recover. If he continues with this behaviour, doing everything he can, I will be here. All the staff will be here, as long as it takes. We believe a lot in him, he’s so important for our team. For the future, I see in this team, Luke is a very important player for us.”
| Games | Goals | Assists |
| 278 | 4 | 28 |
It remains to be seen if Shaw will return to action before the end of the season, but it sounds like United’s hands are tied because few clubs will be interested in taking a risk on such an injury-prone player earning a hefty salary.
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